Uber comfy and lightweight, with great rear protection!

The uvex xp cc is a comfortable, lightweight, durable, and well made helmet, which has an excellent fitting and adjustability system. The German made helmet has a plethora of features, that add not only to its safety, but to the comfort and usability of the wearer, and the one size fits all makes buying an easy task.

The helmet uses their IAS 3D+ system (Internal Adaptive System), which is comprised of a rear-mounted dial driven adjustable retention system and a floating circumferential ring which has a notched height adjuster. The system allows easy length and width and height adjustments, and can accommodate a wide range of head sizes and headgear thickness. The decently padded floating system is comfortable, and doesn’t cause any pressure points or hot spots.

Simply twirl the dial on the rear, and the system tightens or loosens around the head. It was easy to perform the adjustment, even on the fly down rough terrain, and the retention system never slipped or came loose accidentally.

The Monomatic button and ratchet closure system allows easy micro adjustments, and includes a nice wraparound pad for comfort. Their FAS system makes adjusting the straps around your ears simple, and the easy to open snap closures are durable and non-slipping.

Brian likes to push the limits in all the sports he obsesses in, whether it's mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, skiing, or sport climbing. He takes those same strengths and a good dose of insanity to his reviewing and writing on mountain biking products, creating technical, in-depth articles. Whenever he's not on the bike, he might be found watching MotoGP racing, otherwise look for him out on the trail.

Comments:

Yep, I’ve had an XP100, which looks identical to me, for several years. It’s great – light (very light), comfortable, fits well. All the little touches like the bug netting and chin strap ratchet actually add value and aren’t just for show. This review is spot on.

I will only buy UVEX helmets. I’ve owned several other brands (bell, fox, giro, Louise Garneu, etc.) but none are as comfortable as the UVEX. The IAS system that tightens the helmet band around your whole head–instead of squashing your head between the front of the helmet and the rear adjusting strap–is pure genius and a must have feature! I have noticed that other brands are offering similar head adjustment systems finally, but then comes the second killer feature of the UVEX helmet: the ratcheting chin strap! It will never pinch your chin, double chin, OR triple chin. Ever. Don’t buy another helmet without checking out the UVEX line!

I have 2; a 4 year old XP-100 and a new for Christmas XP-CC. They look the same, and I agree that your review is dead on. The first replaced a Giro Xen (which I really liked a lot) and is now to be retired as it has a slight crack in the foam.

They have changed some of the details on the newer helmet, though. All of the pads are now made of a different material. The one at the ratchet knob is totally different, with the little bumps molded into it. The plastic adjusters and other hardware changed some, at least cosmetically. And the new helmet has padding that extends over the chin strap buckle. Also, the height adjustment now has 2 points where it can be attached to the headband; the old helmet didn’t have the option to move it at all.

The only complaint that I’ve had with mine would be that the ratchet knob sometimes catches on my Camelbak’s carry handle. This can be very annoying while riding! And I’d also like to see an adjustable visor.

@Joe: I used 2 tiny pieces of 3M Dual Lock on the central ribs of the visor – hey presto – adjustable visor! Works perfectly.
My XP replaced a Giro Zen too. The Zen is still there, but only as a spare. It’s much heavier and doesn’t stay in place as well.

@xcbiker: I can see how you’d think that from the photos, but I don’t find the ratchet system bulky at all – I don’t even think about it when riding.

Just bought one of these based on this review ($59 from REI!). I’ve been shopping for a while and this is the best fitting lid I’ve tried (vs Giro Zen, POC, Fox, Kali). Fit is personal, but the wrap around system Uvex uses seems very versatile. All the details seem dialed, I particularly like the adjustable chin buckle, and I’m not sure what the “industrial” comment about the back ratchet meant but it seems great to me. I do agree that the pads on top could be a bit thicker, but I doubt I’ll notice that riding since the helmet is so light. FWIW my head size is 23.25″ which puts me between M & L in most brands. The Uvex box says size 15 whatever that means, I think that might be the only size they make. Perfect size for me.

I’m on my second one as I had a wicked crash on the first helmet. Great protection – I am not that much dumber than I was (my opinion) after landing square on top of my head and rode away after shaking the stars away. It is very comfortable and even cool on the 104 degree days in Texas. The uvex xp cc helmet is a great choice.

I’ve been wearing an xp100 for a couple years. I really like the ratcheting buckle. Makes it easy to wear a hat under the helmet during cold weather rides and not having to readjust the strap when removing the hat if temps warm up during the ride. Mine fits my head pretty well and is comfortable and light enough that I don’t notice it when riding. The only complaint I have is that the visor is way too long and is not adjustable.

It’s great to read other reviews from Joe Public. I need some advice on the sizing. My. Head is just about 23.25 inches. The helmet comes in one size. Does anyone else have big jogging and the helmet fits ok?